Introduction
The non-food items (NFI) sector aims to provide essential household items such as mattresses, blankets, and heating fuel to vulnerable populations affected by conflict. This sector targets both internally displaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable host communities, with special attention paid to those living in collective centers, tented informal settlements, and unfinished buildings. The sector’s history dates back to the end of 2012 when WATAN launched the first NFI project, distributing 3,000 blankets and 10,000 sleeping bags to the displaced, Winter assistance, including fuel and stoves, was provided for 2,000 households in several camps in Idleb governorate, while winter NFI materials were distributed to 25,000 households, and distributed 4,000 blankets in 20 districts in Tripoli, Lebanon, to help refugees in dire need of basic winter requirements.
Since then, WATAN has continued to provide regular and emergency NFI support, winterization activities in the form of in-kind and cash assistance such as clothes and fuel, and tent installation and replacements.
Mission
- Distribution Of NFIs to people in emergency and crisis: distribution of NFIs to people in need of rapid response by considering the accuracy of need assessment and the quality of the response through an effective rapid response network with deep coordination with all stakeholders.
- Provision of winter materials, such as high thermal blankets, foam mattresses, heating fuel, and stoves.
- Provides emergency assistance to newly displaced people affected by conflict: A minimum NFI kit and “Newly arrival kits” emergency shelter items (if necessary) for those in need through WATAN’s rapid response mechanism and ensure that adequate mechanisms are put in place for the timely delivery of emergency assistance.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- Non-food item (NFI) distribution to support the dignity, health, privacy, and agency of affected populations during emergencies
- Tent installation, distribution, and repair to provide shelter and protect people from external conditions such as rain, snow, and wind
- Seasonal winter NFI and cash assistance to vulnerable households, especially for displaced people and camp inhabitants, to meet their basic needs and protect them from harsh weather conditions.
- Fuel distribution
SECTOR IMPLEMENTATION
SECTOR PHILOSOPHY AND DIFFERENTIATORS
Capacity-building is a key priority for the non-food sector, and efforts are underway to further develop the rapid response network. The goal is to expand the coverage area, enabling WATAN to reach more accessible areas and increase the number of beneficiaries. This approach aligns with WATAN’s commitment to achieving sustainable results and ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to the support they need to rebuild their lives
WATAN’s Non-Food Sector operates a rapid response network consisting of 100 volunteers stationed across various regions within Syria. These volunteers regularly provide weekly reports on changes in the humanitarian situation in their respective regions, including any new developments in the number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
SECTOR FRAMEWORK
SECTOR PROJECTS
With IDPs series
⟟ Locations
Idleb and Aleppo
👤 No. beneficiaries
684,000
Warm winter
⟟ Locations
Rural Idleb
👤 No. beneficiaries
